about RVP
Rotavirus infection is now preventable through the use of oral vaccines. In the US, Latin America, and Europe, new rotavirus vaccines have been added to routine immunization schedules. But bringing new vaccines to the poorest countries in the world has historically taken 15 to 20 years.
The PATH Rotavirus Vaccine Program was created to close this gap, making rotavirus vaccines available to children in developing countries as quickly as possible through a strategic set of activities at global and country levels.
Addressing country needs
Convening partners
Conducting clinical research
Addressing country needs
To decide whether rotavirus vaccine introduction is appropriate, country leaders need crucial information on disease burden vaccine safety, cost-effectiveness, health system requirements, and more. RVP is on the ground sharing these data and stimulating discussions to encourage informed decisionmaking on rotavirus vaccines, particularly among countries that are eligible for support from the GAVI Alliance. PATH's longterm presence in the developing world has been an essential element to successful country collaborations.
Convening partners
A cornerstone of RVP's achievements has been bringing stakeholders together to catalyze progress in rotavirus vaccine availability for the developing world. These collaborations reflect the collective conviction of all to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.
In partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we helped establish surveillance in several countries. Working with the WHO, we are building the evidence base on rotavirus disease burden and the potential impact of vaccines, while providing decisionmaking support to countries. Some of our most important partnerships involve collaboration with national ministries of health to assess local needs and evaluate options for controlling rotavirus and diarrheal disease.
Conducting clinical research
Our social research found that, while knowledge about rotavirus remains low among policymakers and providers, the promotion of general diarrheal disease control interventions, such as ORT, has abated. Building on this valuable insight, we have developed the Enhanced Diarrheal Disease Control Initiative (EDD), an integrated approach to diarrheal disease control aimed at raising awareness about new and improved interventions to control diarrheal disease, including rotavirus vaccines and zinc treatment. EDD also reinforces the importance of existing interventions such as ORT, breastfeeding, and improvements in hygiene and sanitation.
Top photo by Richard Lord.